Sociable: Meta highlights improvements to its ad serving program

The updated Adaptive Ranking Model will use less computing power to deliver more relevant ads and drive better return on ad spend.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 2, 2026

E.l.f. promotes affordable beauty with true crime-inspired mockumentary

“Vanity Vandals” attributes cluttered bathroom counters to a surplus of its affordable beauty products and includes a giveaway and Roblox experience.

By Jessica Hammers • April 2, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Marketing Dive

From the continued rise of artificial intelligence to the emergence of new digital channels, here's a look at key trends driving marketing in 2026.

By Marketing Dive staff

Heineken raises a glass to connecting via shared musical tastes

At Coachella, the brand’s Clinker band will sync data from Spotify and YouTube music and light up when similarities are found between consumers’ interests.

By Sara Karlovitch • April 2, 2026

Inside Walmart’s creator-driven social commerce playbook

The company’s head of content, influencer and commerce shared the retail giant’s social principles and detailed its Walmart Creator program.

By Chris Kelly • April 2, 2026

Fanta reaches out to gamers with Xbox anniversary collaboration

The brand’s first global campaign focused on gaming includes limited-edition packaging with a QR code that unlocks special challenges and rewards.

By Sara Karlovitch • March 31, 2026

Ferrero plans largest marketing commitment to date for World Cup push

The confectionery giant’s “Go All In” promotion includes a QR code-based giveaway, influencer tie-ups and a partnership with football legend Tom Brady.

By Sara Karlovitch • March 26, 2026

Apple rolls out ads for Maps as advertising revenue grows

As ad revenue’s importance grows for the tech giant, it will enable brands to target consumers using Maps’ search function and via Suggested Places.

By Sara Karlovitch • March 25, 2026

TikTok pitches advertisers on bold new chapter under US joint venture

The U.S. ownership transition has had its hiccups, but the app used the NewFronts to argue it is more secure, creative and independent than ever.

By Peter Adams • March 25, 2026

TikTok, Tubi start creator program to bring social stars to streaming

TikTok will identify the right talent for Creatorverse Incubator while Tubi will support the development of scripted and unscripted original series. 

By Peter Adams • March 19, 2026

How Crumbl leveraged CTV to drive mobile app downloads

The cookie bakery chain saw over 16,000 app downloads, 213% more than its original target, as a result of its first connected TV campaign.

By Sara Karlovitch • March 19, 2026

Colgate aims for stressed millennials with campaign about resilience

“Your Smile Is Your Strength” includes tie-ups with over 30 content creators and a partnership with mental health app Calm for meditation content.

By Jessica Hammers • March 19, 2026

Why Dove turned Reddit product feedback into a real-world campaign

Emily Barfoot, head of Dove U.S., discusses how the campaign came together, navigating Reddit and the brand’s larger social media strategy.

By Sara Karlovitch • March 12, 2026

Knorr taps into viral social trends with latest dating-focused campaign

The Unilever brand is amplifying user-generated content via a TikTok Branded Mission as part of an effort that includes media tie-ups and events.

By Chris Kelly • March 9, 2026

Why Unleashed Brands tapped VaynerX to pump up social media marketing

CMO Pat O’Toole, formerly of Burger King, details his first campaign at the youth-enrichment company, in support of Urban Air Adventure Park.

By Chris Kelly • March 6, 2026

Domino’s redefines celebrity meals in social-first campaign

Ahead of March Madness, the pizza brand is hoping influencers will drive sales.

By Sara Karlovitch • March 5, 2026

Will Gap’s new loyalty program meet the moment?

Special perks are not enough anymore, especially for a brand attempting to regain a place in the cultural conversation.

By Daphne Howland • Feb. 26, 2026

Waterloo Sparkling Water names Dentsu Creative social AOR as brand expands

The nearly 10-year-old beverage marketer is looking to social as a national awareness driver and prioritizing quality interaction over content volume.

By Peter Adams • Feb. 23, 2026

Zillow links with World of Warcraft to showcase in-game homes

Zillow for Warcraft includes a custom microsite featuring a number of player-favorite housing creations and will be supported by a co-branded campaign.

By Aaron Baar • Feb. 19, 2026

Depop touts ability to support consumer incomes with ‘Depoponomics’

A 30-second spot set to the song “Millionaire” by Kelis, who makes a cameo in the ad, is accompanied by a Depop shop curated by the R&B icon.

By Jessica Hammers • Feb. 18, 2026

PepsiCo’s first creator-led product launch reimagines chips for Gen Z

The CPG giant teamed with Madison Beer, iShowSpeed and Dude Perfect on products meant to shrink the distance between creators, culture and checkout.

By Chris Kelly • Feb. 18, 2026

How QSRs are building on value marketing with pop culture, nostalgia

Fast food marketers including McDonald’s, Burger King and Wendy’s will have to move beyond price-point value to drive sales and traffic.

By Chris Kelly • Feb. 18, 2026

Why brands need to optimize their mobile apps and websites for AI

Brands have built their digital experiences on Google’s search algorithm, but that needs to change as consumer behavior evolves, experts say.

By Michael Brady • Feb. 13, 2026

Target to test contextual ads in ChatGPT, including through Roundel

Bringing Roundel brands to ChatGPT suggests retail media networks could be a bridge for larger AI chatbot advertising adoption. 

By Peter Adams • Feb. 11, 2026

Super Bowl 2026: Viewership, engagement and ads analysis

Breaking down all the key stats from the big game’s ads, including cost, reach, social engagement and more.

By Sara Karlovitch • Feb. 9, 2026

Chipotle pokes fun at AI Super Bowl ads to spotlight real ingredients

After another brand's AI-generated Super Bowl spot airs, the restaurant chain will post a video on Instagram Reels to dole out free entree codes. 

By Jessica Hammers • Feb. 5, 2026